FLASHING Floods stormed to her 10th consecutive victory with a devastating win in her heat of the Group 2 Maidment Memorial at Sandown Park last Thursday night.
But can the bitch, which gave birth about a year ago, turn on the speed when it counts and win the $36,000 Group 2 Maidment Memorial at Sandown Park tonight (Thursday)?
The daughter of Bombastic Shiraz jumped to an early lead from box six and was never threatened, winning in a slick time of 42.2 seconds.
Highly rated former New South Wales stayer Miss Grub ($4.90), now in the care of leading Victorian trainer Kel Greenough, finished 3.25 lengths adrift of Flashing Floods ($1.70), with veteran Slick Galore ($35.90) a further 6.5 lengths away third.
Last start Group 1 Association Cup winner Excused ($6.50) ran wide throughout at his first look at Sandown Park before finishing a distant last.
It has been a remarkable return to racing for Gerald Cunnold’s young bitch.
After whelping a litter of pups early last year, Flashing Floods resumed her racing career in November with four modest unplaced runs.
Following her breakthrough win at Warrnambool late that month, she has since conquered all-comers.
Rising through the grades and distances, she claimed the Group 3 New Year’s Cup at the Meadows, and now has the Group 2 Maidment Memorial at her mercy.
Kibble Kruncha ($3.20) is sure to provide worthy competition in the final, however, after the Sydney Raider snatched a last-gasp victory over Sandown specialist Sargent Major in the second heat.
Radio Sport 927 Sandown Cup winner Sargent Major ($1.80 favourite) railed to the lead on entering the straight the first time, and led comfortably down the back straight.
Darren Sultana’s exciting half-miler then made his move, sweeping around the field then railing under Sargent Major to win by a head in 42.41 seconds.
Earlier in the night, Kevin Mugavin Jr’s young chaser Surf Reward continued his good form when he became the fastest qualifier for the GOTBA Cup.
Group 1 Sky Channel Topgun winner Jaimandy Coops continued his affinity with Sandown Park, breaking 30 seconds for the 10th time at the Lightwood Road Circuit when he took out the Hermitage Homes Free For All in a scintillating 29.68 seconds.
The $36,000 Group 2 Maidment Memorial will be run at Sandown Park tonight.
